*PLEASE NOTE: This book completely stands alone from Beautiful Dreamer and they do not have to be read in order. Blair Anderson only thinks of Caden Bell as his best friend’s younger brother, a straight-laced jock still dating his high-school sweetheart. They are as different as night and day. Caden has always considered Blair an enigma, the way he lights up every room with his … his self-confidence and perfectly sculpted cheekbones. But since childhood they’ve drifted worlds apart.
Life as an international model isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, so when Blair escapes to his best friend’s beach house for some R&R, he’s shocked to discover Caden had the same idea. Apparently, he called it quits with his girlfriend and was looking for a little alone time too.
Instead of rock, paper, scissors to determine who gets to stay, they decide to share the house and keep out of each other’s way. Easier said than done. As they reconnect, Blair is captivated by Caden’s bald honesty. And Caden realizes that Blair isn’t a mystery–he’s genuine and funny and still utterly gorgeous.
Seeing Blair in a new light short-circuits Caden’s brain, and before he knows it, he’s confiding in Blair about his bi-curiosity. Blair couldn’t be more taken aback as advice turns to solace, then ignites into an intense spark neither man anticipated. Blair had done and seen it all, so what could it hurt to help Caden experience some new things?
After all, it’s only a holiday hookup.
Until it’s not.
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I love that Blair gets his story and it is very sweet. You get to see him as a much richer person with a lot that he has gone through. I also love the steady way Caden cares. I love this special story.
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Such a great best friend’s brother story.
I have several books by Christina Lee in my digital library but this is the first one I’ve read. I love Michael Dean’s audiobook performances so when I requested a review copy of this audiobook I knew that I would enjoy it because of Michael’s voice, but now I can also happily say I also enjoyed the story.
I could write lots of words telling you about the book but the blurb already does a good job of that. I want to tell you how much I enjoyed listening to this. It’s a heartfelt story set during the Christmas holidays. It’s a coming out bisexual story but it’s also about family and how much they care for each other. I loved it!
I almost forgot to say that another reason I loved this is that it’s set very near to where I live now and the MC’s are from the place I grew up. I think it’s always fun to read a book set in a location that I’m familiar with, especially when the author gets things right.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
Fabulous Story & Narration A Heartfelt Delight!
Beautiful Temptation
So This Is Christmas, Book 2
By: Christina Lee
Narrated by: Michael Dean
This is a beautifully written best friend’s brother romance, the story grabbed my attention right from the start and captivated it straight to the end. The story is set around the Christmas holidays but can easily be enjoyed anytime of the year. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with, they were easy to care about too. Blair Anderson lives life in the fast lane as an international model, traveling and being in the limelight has taken a toll on him and he is looking forward to some alone time and getting some much needed rest and relaxation at his best friends beach house except when he gets there the house is not vacant, his friend’s youngest brother is there. Caden Bell needed to get away, he is not up for celebrating the holiday and being all cheery, he is trying to figure out himself and it has been a rough few months for him. He broke up with his longtime girlfriend and is working on figuring out who he is and what he wants. They agreed to both stay and enjoy the beach house, Blair can get his R&R and Caden can work out his inner turmoil. It turns out they were great company for each other, Caden was able to confide in Blair about this thoughts and how he found he was attracted to men and was curious, this surprised Blair but he was cool about it all. And then they are looking at each other in a different way, the chemistry heats up and gets to the point where they can not longer deny each other. Caden has some of his firsts with Blair and it is better than he’s ever imagined. But his family’s arrival put a damper on things but they did get to enjoy each other’s company some more before heading home. But that can’t be the end of it for them, Caden’s brother helps with that though, not in an expected way though. I loved how everything played out in this fabulously plotted story, Christina Lee packed a lot of story into her novella sized book and a lot of heart too, Thank you for another wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
And for the fabulous narration, Michael Dean did an awesome job bringing the characters and their story to life, he gave character their own voice and personality, which made it easy to follow along and tell who is who. He had a complete understanding of each character he portrayed and was believable in every role he played, sounding just as I pictured them to sound. He set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and projected them into his performance. Michael Dean is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another great listen.
Thank you GRR!
I loved Blair and Caden. I thought it would take me longer to warm up to Blair because of Beautiful Dreamer and his role at first but Christina Lee did an amazing job transforming Blair into a lovable character who you wanted a happily ever after for. Caden was strong and stoic finding himself and the two of them together were perfection.
A beautiful best friend’s brother romance! The love is strong in this one!
This was a heartwarming, sweet story, the perfect read for the holiday season. A little angst, an unlikely pairing with a hint of animosity to overcome and a loving, supportive family. I loved the forced proximity angle and how it played out for these two guys! Blair and Caden seem like an unlikely match, very much a case of opposites attract on the surface, but they make a truly amazing couple. The initial push and pull was great, but I loved it even more when they grew closer.
They were so gentle and caring with each other, once they’ve realized they are not their teenage selves anymore. They fall in love almost without realizing it at first and it was really special to see Caden explore so many wonderful “firsts” together with Blair. Still a HEA seemed hard to reach at first, that is until everything came together at last, thanks Christopher for giving that final push!
I was eagerly waiting for Blair’s story and I wasn’t disappointed! I loved this best friend’s brother story. The chemistry between Caden and Blair is off the charts hot! I loved the dynamics and connection between these two. With lot’s of history between them they still have so much to learn about each other. As they discover what they feel for each other it’s a joy to watch it all unfold!
Loved it!
I absolutely loved this book!
Brother’s best friend is one of my favourite tropes. Make it MM and it’s like double prizes!
Beautiful Blair has been living in the fast lane. Fast work. Fast travel. Fast meaningless sex. He wants to take his foot off the pedal and chill alone at his best friend Chris’ beach holiday home.
Chris’ brother Caden, newly broken up from his high school sweetheart had the same idea. Neither expects the other to be there – quelle surprise!
Caden is like a super sweet care giver. He sees. He knows. He listens. Blair doesn’t realise how much he needs that shoulder and that comfort. But it works both ways because Caden needs Blair’s wisdom and listening ear just as much.
I just loved the two of them together. I want to be their best girlfriend and watch their adorableness. Fabulous novella.
This is a sweet little holiday novella about two people making an unexpected reconnection and learning more about themselves. It can be read as a standalone although characters from Beautiful Dreamer are briefly mentioned as they are friends.
Blair Anderson is an international model and usually the life of the party. He works and lives hard and unfortunately that has involved some unhealthy habits. He needs a break and is happy that his friend, Christopher is going to let him stay at his vacation home.
Caden Bell decided not to go on vacation with his family but retreated to his brother’s vacation home to do his own thinking. He is a sports broadcaster and recently broke up with his long term girlfriend. He is making some changes in his life and is trying to be more honest about who he really is.
In the past, Blair was always more of a vibrant enigma and Caden was the friend’s little brother and jock with an attitude. They did not expect company on their self imposed retreat and their reunion is awkward at best. But now that they find themselves thrown together alone in a house for the holidays they are starting to see each other in a new light. Blair is sarcastic, confident, genuine, and comfortable being gay. Caden is unsure, honest, and bi-curious. And the more vulnerable and open they become, the more their companionship and chemistry grows. They are both struggling with some life decisions and find unexpected support. I really loved seeing these guys come together when they seemed so different both physically and in their life experiences. I could really feel their fears, confusion, emotions, and passion.
But Caden will always be his best friend’s little brother so he should be off-limits. And Blair has a reputation of never being serious about relationships and is used to jet setting around the world. And Caden works in a sports-centric field and is just privately exploring his own needs.
Are they destined to be a holiday temptation or is there a chance for something more?